Sheik Abdulrasheed Idris Fasasi, an Islamic scholar and Chief Executive Rabsih-Imec, Iwo. In this interview with ADEOLU ADEYEMO speaks spoke on lessons of Ramadan, its importance and many national issues.

The Ramadan is again here. What are its lessons?
Ramadan is a period of fasting as demonstrated by Prophet Muhammed. It is a period when one is expected to dump all behaviours and conduct that can lead to sin and move closer to Allah. The lessons of Ramadan are many. In the first instance, the period teaches us that as we fast, we feel the condition of the poor who cannot eat three square meals. As rich as one is, one experience hunger during Ramadan and knows what it takes to be hungry. Another lesson is that as Muslims, we are expected to stop all conducts that are unIslamic. For instance, alcoholism, smoking, fornication etc are suspended during Ramadan and one is expected not to go back to them after Ramadan.

Ramadan period teaches us that being the holy month, we have the opportunity to talk to our God as we free from sins. It also teaches us charity, perseverance, benevolence, kindheartedness, nobility and hopefulness. It is a period when there is assurance that all is not yet lost. Ramadan rekindles one’s hopes and gives one a complete rest of mind.

Does the month of Ramadan have anything to do with our rulers and politicians?
The Ramadan enables us to pray specially for our leaders and good governance. It is expected that this period sensitizes our leaders and makes them know that the followers actually expect so much from them. With the Ramadan, any ingredients of bad governance are forgotten. This is because with the teachings of Holy Prophet Muhammed, (S.A.W), The period preaches the rule of law, equality of men, social justice, impartial judgement, freedom and truth.

Therefore our leaders should let Nigerians have a taste of democratic gains and experience good governance. It is a period of sober reflections since the rulers are made to understand that power belongs to Allah. He gives it to people and withdraws it anytime he deem fit. The period also teaches our leaders not to be power drunk and to shun corruption absolutely. The Ramadan period is an eye-opener for all our leaders who believe that power and money are the ultimate in life. Both the rulers and the ruled become the same during Ramadan.

Why do you think some Muslims go back to some acts like smoking and alcoholism immediately after Ramadan?
It is quite unfortunate that after 30 days of rigorous fasting, some of us still go back to what we have renounced. Personally, I believe those that do this still need our prayers and counsellings. It proves that they have not had the full knowledge of the Holy Quran and they are yet to completely understand the teachings of the Holy Prophet. People resume smoking and alcoholism and even fornication because probably, they have become addicts who need gradual counselling to desist. For dumping these acts for 30 days, I really appreciate Allah in their lives, but I will appeal to them very strongly that since they can cope without these acts for 30 days, they should forget about them completely.

What is your Ramadan message for all Nigerians?
My message is that if we all sit down and embrace the teachings of Allah, all will be well in Nigeria. We should always remember that Nigeria is a special country endowed with lots of natural resources.